A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Cefalu vs. Positano for Food, Resorts, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Cefalu or Positano?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Cefalu and Positano. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Cefalu

Cefalu is a touristy, charming, and coastal fishing village. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches.

Positano

Positano is a colorful, stunning, and luxurious Mediterranean village. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Cefalu and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cefalu or Positano?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Positano. Although Cefalu and Positano are both popular with visitors, Positano has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Positano is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Cefalu is known for its museums and beaches. Positano is more touristy than Cefalu and is known for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere. It is also home to The Church of Santa Maria Assunta. Cefalu is popular for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food.

How is Cefalu different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Positano and Cefalu. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cefalu or Positano?

Cefalu is adequate for its historical sights. However, Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Cefalu specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most visitors spend their time on the beach or getting lost in the town's charm, but if you're looking for specific sights and museums you can check out the Cathedral, Museo Mandralisca, or Tempio di Diana.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Cefalu or Positano? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Positano is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Cefalu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Positano, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Seafood is the obvious choice along the Amalfi Coast but Positano is also famous for its salami, chestnuts, cheese, and figs.

Dining out in Cefalu is an experience not to be missed. Despite being a popular tourist hot spot, there are still charming restaurants around town that serve up local dishes made with local ingredients. Many seaside restaurants have a charming atmosphere and a unique Sicilian flare.

Is Cefalu or Positano Better for Nightlife?

The decent nightlife scene is relatively similar in Cefalu and Positano.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Cefalu. The town is small and mellow without a huge party scene. There are some beach resorts with bars and clubs attached where you can enjoy a drink by the water.

Positano is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The town has a relaxing nightlife that is usually centered around the clubs found at nearby resorts.

Is Cefalu or Positano Better for Resorts?

Positano is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. Also, Cefalu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

Vacationers flock to Positano for its luxury resorts. The town has a number of luxury resorts including Le Sirenuse, Il San Pietro di Positano, and Hotel Le Agavi.

Cefalu is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There's a wide range of resorts to choose from including Club Med and even a nature hotel.

Is Cefalu or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Positano is a decent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cefalu is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Positano. There are snorkeling boat trips that you can book to enjoy exploring the undersea world.

Cefalu is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cefalu or Positano Better for Beaches?

Cefalu is great for the beach. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for its beaches.

Many people visit Cefalu for it's beautiful beaches. The town has nice beaches with good swimming and kayaking opportunities. Some of the beaches can get quite crowded but the water is blue and the views are nice. Some of the best beaches near town include Cefalu Beach, Kalura Beach, and Lido Angeli Del Mare.

Positano is a good option for a beach vacation. Like the rest of the Amalfi Coast, beaches near Positano tend to be pebbly instead of sandy. They can also get a bit crowded during the summer months. Still, the picturesque setting makes these beaches truly amazing. The main beach at the edge of town is Spiaggia Grande, but there are several others nearby as well.

Is Cefalu or Positano Better for its Old Town?

Positano is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Cefalu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

The historic old town of Positano is revered around the world. Exploring the old town, soaking up the atmosphere, and simply enjoying the colorful buildings is what a trip to Positano is all about.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Cefalu. The town is charming and small, making it a nice place to explore.

Is Cefalu or Positano Better for Hiking?

Positano is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Cefalu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Positano. The best way to explore the area out of town is on foot. There are a number of foot paths and trails that will take you through the stunning landscapes.

Cefalu is a good destination for hiking. There are a few walking trails outside of town but the most popular is hiking to the top of La Rocca. It's at least an hours walk to the top but from there you can enjoy one of the best views of the harbor.

Is the Shopping Better in Cefalu or Positano?

Positano is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its shopping areas.

Positano is well-known for its shopping. The main street in town is lined with quaint shops that sell local lemon products, ceramics, clothing, and more.

Cefalu has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. It's a small, touristy town, so shopping isn't the main attraction. There are some interesting shops that are fun to pop into though.

Is Cefalu or Positano Better for Families?

Both Cefalu and Positano are good family-friendly destinations.

Cefalu is a family-friendly fishing village. Kids will enjoy beach time or wandering down the promenade, Lungomare. You can swim or simply relax by the water. Another fun activity is to climb the nearby mountain of La Rocca. The kids might even spot a local animal.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Positano. Fun activities include boat rides, eating gelato, and hanging out at the beach. Some of the best family-friendly beaches are Spiaggia Grande, Fornillo Beach, and Arienzo Beach.

Is Cefalu or Positano Better for Couples?

Cefalu and Positano both terrific destinations for a couple.

Cefalu is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's natural beauty and Italian atmosphere make this a perfect couples destination. There are water activities for the adventurous as well as beautiful beaches and great restaurants.

Positano makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It is a picturesque coast town that is both romantic and fun. Wandering through the streets and sampling Italian food make this the perfect honeymoon getaway.

Is Cefalu or Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Positano is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Positano. The town has a handful of great hostels that make the Amalfi Coast accessible to backpackers on a budget.

Cefalu is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's not a big backpacker vibe to the town, and you won't find tons of hostels, but there are affordable places that budget travelers can stay.

Is Cefalu or Positano Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Positano is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Positano has some public transit options. You can walk everywhere once you arrive, and the SITA bus travels to and from the town.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Cefalu. Public transit is limited but taxis are a good alternative for getting out of town and into the surrounding areas.

Is Cefalu or Positano a more walkable city?

Positano is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Cefalu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Positano. The town is best explored on foot. You can wander the quaint streets or take the foot path to the beach or nearby castles.

Cefalu is a very walkable destination. The town is small enough to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Cefalu Worth Visiting? and Is Positano Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Positano or Cefalu?

How long in Cefalu or Positano?

Both Cefalu and Positano have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Positano than in Cefalu. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cefalu, and 2-7 days is enough time in Positano.

Families should spend more time in Positano than Cefalu. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Positano, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Positano than Cefalu. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Positano that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Positano than Cefalu if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Positano.

One day in Cefalu or Positano?

Cefalu is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the quaint small town of Positano. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cefalu or Positano?

Cefalu is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this fishing village makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cefalu, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Positano is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Cefalu or Positano?

Cefalu is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Positano. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Cefalu or Positano?

Cefalu is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This fishing village offers something for everyone.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the stunning small town of Positano. This Mediterranean village offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Italy, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cefalu and Positano, we can see that Positano is more expensive. And not only is Cefalu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cefalu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cefalu and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Positano would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Positano than you might in Cefalu.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cefalu Expensive? and Is Positano Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cefalu or Positano?

Cefalu has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Cefalu and Positano, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Cefalu or Positano?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Cefalu or Positano in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cefalu and Positano. The summer months attract visitors to Cefalu because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Positano this time of year.

In the summer, Cefalu is a little warmer than Positano. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cefalu in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Positano averages at about 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Positano this time of the year. In Cefalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cefalu usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Positano during summer. Cefalu gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cefalu usually receives less rain than Positano. Cefalu gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cefalu or Positano in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cefalu as well as Positano. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cefalu this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Positano for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Cefalu is generally a little warmer than Positano. Daily temperatures in Cefalu average around 19°C (67°F), and Positano fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Cefalu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Positano. Cefalu gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Positano. Cefalu usually gets less rain in October than Positano. Cefalu gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cefalu or Positano in the Winter?

Both Positano and Cefalu are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cefalu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Positano in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Cefalu is a little warmer than Positano in the winter. The daily temperature in Cefalu averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Positano fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Cefalu usually receives more sunshine than Positano during winter. Cefalu gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Positano. In January, Cefalu usually receives less rain than Positano. Cefalu gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cefalu or Positano in the Spring?

Both Positano and Cefalu during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cefalu in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Positano for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Cefalu is a little warmer than Positano. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cefalu in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Positano averages at about 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Cefalu. In the spring, Cefalu often gets more sunshine than Positano. Cefalu gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets less rain in April than Positano. Cefalu gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Positano and Cefalu